Thermal imaging cameras will count the number of cyclists and lengthen the green lights phase if there are a number of cycles waiting. The red light phase can also be extended if fewer cycles are waiting. Precise timings will be worked out after the trial on Cable Street, Shadwell and Cycle Superhighway 3 from Barking to Tower Gateway.
Transport for London (TfL) is aiming to have the system up and running next year across the capital.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said that, “Once again London leads the way as we host world-first trials of technology that has the potential to bring significant benefits to cyclists. With record numbers taking to two wheels we are doing everything we can to make our roads more inviting places to be. This is another great example of how TfL can harness the power of innovation to help make it easier for everyone to get around our city.”
The number of cyclists commuting to and from work by cycle is at an all-time high. Figures released last week suggest that 610,000 cycle journeys are made in London every working day. Casualty figures are falling, but so far six cyclist deaths have been recorded this year.
